How Does Shockwave Work?

Shockwaves accelerate the healing process by activating the body's self-healing powers, particularly in cases where the body has been unable to do it on its' own. In essence it acts as a 'kickstart' to stimulate the metabolism and enhance blood circulation. Whether you need knee treatment or have feet pain, muscle problems or have a specific condition you are struggling with, Shockwave Therapy enables the damaged tissue to regenerate and eventually heal.

How shockwave therapy works on tissue

Shockwaves are applied via a light handpiece that is easy to use, which produces very strong impulses that travels through the tissues to the problem area. The shockwaves are directed at the site of the lesions in a controlled and focused manner.

What are the Advantages?

Shockwave therapy is a recent development that is used successfully by healthcare providers that specialize in musculoskeletal disorders. As compared to other treatment methods, the advantages are:

• Most importantly, no time off work for recovery!
• Quickly reduces pain
• No medication needed
• Avoid surgery
• No side effects
• Virtually no risk of allergy
• Accelerates healing
• Very effective for chronic conditions

• Testimonials

How Long Does Treatment Take?

The therapy session takes about 15 minutes depending on the disorder that is treated. In general, minor conditions start to improve after 3 to 5 sessions. The greatest success when treating an advanced problem is achieved by following a 12 week treatment program. Packages are available to make shockware therapy one of the best value treatments that money can buy.

• Testimonials

What is a shockwave?

A shockwave is a naturally occurring pressure wave. It can be heard when a plane goes through the sound barrier
and can be felt when a bomb is detonated.

Is shockwave therapy scientifically proven?

Shockwave therapy is the most widely researched modality in the world. It is the subject of over 500 peer reviewed
journals and new uses are being discovered all the time.

Is shockwave therapy safe?

Shockwave therapy is one of the safest treatments in existence. Side effects, if any, are temporary and mild and have never been reported to be life threatening. Common side effects are redness over the treatment site and muscle ache during treatment and temporary muscle ache after treatment.

Are all shockwave machines the same?

Many machines are capable of producing shockwaves, but specific pressures, transmitters and frequencies are required to treat certain conditions. Lethbridge shockwave therapy uses the best in class Storz medical MP200 and has the necessary transmitters to treat almost any condition. We are the only clinic in western Canada that treats TMJ disorders with shockwave therapy.

Are the treatments painful?

Early shockwave therapy trials didn’t take patient comfort into account. However, as experience was gained, the industry realized that patient compliance was much better when taking a comfortable, gradual approach. For some patients, there is hardly any sensation at all, for others we only progress at the pace they allow.

Are the results permanent?

How permanent the results are depends largely on how well the patient followed their recommended course of care. Some patients are only interested in putting a bandaid on the problem but they still get significant relief. Other patients want to fix the problem as best as possible. At Lethbridge shockwave therapy we always give our patients both options.

Do I have to change my lifestyle during treatment?

This is an excellent question. Some conditions require some lifestyle changes. The Doctor is highly trained and highly experienced and as such, may ask you to do some things and not do others. The goal is always to return a patient to their normal activities as soon as possible.

How long does it take to recover from treatment?

Patients are often surprized that they can return work without any delay. The treatment is progressive and comfortable so there is typically no recovery time at all and patients don’t report any down time after a session.

Will I be given any exercises or home care instruction during treatment?

Yes. You will be provided with the appropriate exercises or home care instructions for your condition. Some conditions need homework and some conditions just need rest.

Are there any disease that would prevent me from receiving shockwave therapy?

This is an excellent question. The answer depends if the disease is affecting the site of treatment or not. For example we have many cancer patients that are being treated for a problem unrelated to their cancer. We also have patients with endoprosthetics that require modification to their treatment program. Assessments are made on a case by case basis and the doctor will advise you if shockwave therapy is suitable for you.